The Green Bay Packers' 2023 NFL draft class, evaluated using Kent Lee Platte's Relative Athletic Score (RAS) system, demonstrates strong athleticism despite ranking 11th overall. While some players like cornerback Brandon Cisse and edge rusher Dani excelled in key metrics, others like defensive tackle Chris McClellan had more average profiles. General manager Brian Gutekunst and the players themselves provide insights into their athletic strengths and potential NFL impact.
The Relative Athletic Score ( RAS ) system, developed by Kent Lee Platte, evaluates NFL draft prospects by comparing their physical attributes and performance metrics to others at their position.
The system assigns a score on a 0-to-10 scale based on factors like height, weight, 40-yard dash time, and other measurable drills. For example, the Green Bay Packers' second-round pick, cornerback Brandon Cisse, recorded a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, placing him in the 91.4th percentile among cornerbacks, resulting in a RAS of 9.14 for that drill.
The Packers' overall RAS ranking this year was 11th, thanks to four elite scores, though their average was slightly lowered by third-round defensive tackle Chris McClellan's below-average athleticism. Despite not ranking at the top, the Packers' draft class was far from lacking in athleticism. Platte provided detailed RAS profiles for each player, including insights and quotes from the players and general manager Brian Gutekunst.
Cisse, for instance, stands out with his combination of size, speed, and explosiveness, though his agility testing was less impressive. However, since change-of-direction skills are not a primary concern for his role, this is not seen as a major drawback. McClellan, on the other hand, had a more average RAS profile, raising concerns if he is expected to rely on quickness as an interior pass rusher.
His agility metrics were particularly weak, though he met baseline expectations for a nose tackle, including an average broad jump and 10-yard split. His long arms and decent bench press also helped balance his profile. Other standout players in the Packers' draft class include edge rusher Dani, who boasts an elite RAS profile with a sub-7.00 three-cone drill time, a metric strongly correlated with NFL success for his position.
Gutekunst praised Dani's production, size, and versatility, highlighting his ability to rush the passer and set edges. Center Josh Burton also impressed with his athleticism, particularly his 4.52-second shuttle time, which is close to the ideal threshold for offensive linemen. Burton credited his athletic ability to his family background—his father played college football, and his mother was a track athlete—and his focused training.
Meanwhile, another cornerback in the class showed adequate speed but had a concerning vertical jump, though it was not disastrous. Gutekunst emphasized the player's size, explosiveness, and experience, noting his ability to overcome adversity. In the NFC North, the Bears ranked second in RAS, followed by the Vikings at 15th and the Lions at 20th. The Miami Dolphins, led by former Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan, ranked 13th
NFL Draft Green Bay Packers Relative Athletic Score RAS Athleticism